Final answer:
Globalization has been an urban phenomenon, driven by the growth of urban centers during the Industrial Era and the rise in productivity and technology. This has resulted in increased urbanization and diversified city populations, especially in developed nations. The movement of people into urban centers in search of economic opportunities has been a consistent trend.
Step-by-step explanation:
Globalization has indeed been an overwhelmingly urban and urbanizing phenomenon. This is illustrated by the historical context of the Industrial Era, where a worldwide growth spurt occurred. The development of factories during this time caused a significant population shift from rural to urban areas. As a result, cities like New York, London, and Tokyo have experienced transformation into postindustrial urban centers.
Urbanization has gone hand in hand with industrialization, with people moving into urban centers seeking better economic opportunities, notably jobs in factories. Such urban centers have become increasingly diversified, reflecting global cultural and economic trends. The temperance movement, for instance, was a reaction to these new social conditions prompted by urbanization and immigration. Furthermore, the rise in productivity and technology was instrumental in the growth of urban centers, leading to more diverse and densely populated cities.
Sub-Saharan Africa provides an interesting contrast, where rapidly growing urban core areas that exhibit global technology and communication trends can be observed, despite a predominantly agrarian lifestyle. Managing the growth of these burgeoning cities will be a significant challenge as these economies continue to develop.